BITE user comments - scoobybooze
Comments by scoobybooze
Lively and pleasant enough with a youngish clientele. Plenty of ales on in good condition. Must have had a few as I don't remember leaving, but I know it was late! Worth including on a Jewellery Quarter crawl.
9 May 2017 16:43
Went in here with friends last Saturday night because someone we knew was the live music act for the evening. It was heaving when we went in, but thinned out considerably towards about 10.00pm. Only one real ale being served, Purity Ubu, but service was polite and efficient. Strange sort of place: modern, minimalist décor, more of a wine bar type place than a real pub. However, that said, it's ok for a quick couple.
9 May 2017 16:40
A trendy but welcome addition to the St.Ives scene, one of the very few places where you can have a drink and enjoy harbour views. It's not cheap, and sells only bottled beer, but this includes local Boilers and Spingo from The Blue Anchor at Helston.The wine list for those of that persuasion is extensive. "Smidgeons" - very small portions of tapas-like grub, are served - at a price!
3 Apr 2017 14:31
Has now opened as "Harborne Kitchen", a restaurant as mentioned in my previous post. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks exclusive and expensive. Don't know if they still serve real ale.
22 Dec 2016 12:25
Many,many years since I've been in the Moorbrook - nice to know it is thriving. Part of real ale history, as the West Lancashire branch of CAMRA was founded in here.
7 Sep 2016 13:17
Currently undergoing a major rebuild, with a view to making it a fine dining venue. It was advertised originally as a "pop up" venue, but quickly became a more permanent feature of the High Street . The venture is run by a couple of enterprising young chefs with a commitment to real ale, so watch this space for developments.
17 Jun 2016 12:24
Has had a refurb recently, which unfortunately involved the removal of the handpump which used to serve Togaman - a beer brewed specially in Bristol for the company which owns the chain, so no real ale anymore in here.
17 Jun 2016 12:19
Trewellard Arms Hotel, Penzance
Having driven past this pub on countless occasions we finally decided to stop and try it out. Not disappointed! Friendly welcome and service, good, well-kept ale and a lovely, reasonably-priced meal. Will definitely call again.
10 Jun 2016 15:02
The Fiddle and Bone, Birmingham
Goes from strength to strength now it's up and running again. Live music at weekends, including Sunday lunchtime session. There is a sort of electronic limiter which cuts off the power to the band if they go above a certain level of decibels, but thankfully it didn't seem to be working when the excellent Trevor Burton Band were pumping it out a couple of weeks ago!
11 Apr 2016 16:46
Had a pleasant and comfortable two-night stay here. Acommodation clean and cosy.The bars were all quite busy, but the service was prompt and the food was fine.Great choice of ales and a relaxing atmosphere.When I told my outdoors-loving brother we were staying there, he described it as "legendary" - with good reason.
15 Aug 2015 13:23
Interesting place, but no atmosphere at all. Beer ok, but wouldn't go out of the way to revisit.
14 Aug 2015 17:18
Second stop on our initial walkabout in Edinburgh. Interesting pub, good ale and good food served very efficiently.Mappiman has got it bang on!
14 Aug 2015 17:14
The first stop on our first visit to Edinburgh. An amazing interior and an interesting choice of ales, served by the traditional Scottish water-engines. A great introduction to a great drinkers' city.
14 Aug 2015 17:10
Firehouse Bar and Grill, St Ives
Trendy and popular - more of an eatery than a pub.Prices average for St.Ives and the food is very good. Only one real ale available, however. Advisable to book as it gets very busy at peak times.
30 Mar 2015 14:06
Famous for miles around for its legendary cheese and onion cobs - they get through over a thousand a week. Traditional, cosy and very popular with a good range of well-kept ales. Well worth seeking out.
24 Feb 2015 18:14
Has just been refurbed and rebranded as a "Slug and Lettuce". Only two real ales available, both from the Backyard Brewery, and both of which were unavailable when we visited at lunchtime yesterday, so I had a bottle of Brewdog Punk IPA. This was a 330ml bottle,and cost ,wait for it...£4.80. We also had a meal, which was ludicrously overpriced as the portions were miniscule. We will definitely not be going there again - nothing but a trendy rip-off joint trying to outdo The Plough in seeing what exorbitant prices they can get away with.
19 Feb 2015 12:19
A micropub converted from a ladies outfitters. Located on a corner just down from the market square. Four real ales and two real ciders on offer, plus fruit wines. Comfortable and welcoming. All ales priced at £2.80 and the ciders £3.00. Basic snacks and soft drinks available Worth a visit if out drinking in Lichfield.
18 Sep 2014 21:20
The Waggon and Horses, Cradley Heath
In new ownership and currently undergoing extensive refurbishment. Expected to reopen end of October.
17 Sep 2014 16:11
Back to its best! Mine hosts Colin and Jackie have put the Lion firmly back in the top flight of St.Ives pubs.
6 Sep 2014 17:04
Friendly welcome and a cosy place for a pint. A nice pub - will use it again next time in Padstein.
6 Sep 2014 16:54
The Old Custom House Hotel, Padstow
Busy, but service was efficient and friendly. Ale was very good - excellently kept. Obviously a bit of a tourist-trap, but prices not THAT extortionate. Would use this pub again.
6 Sep 2014 16:51
Stayed overnight in the guest accommodation. Very comfortable, and a great breakfast. Beer also very much on form. Recommended!
6 Sep 2014 16:47
Since the last review, the place HAS been sorted. We regularly stay at the Ibis hotel next door which has a totally soulless fizz-only bar, so we usually end up in the Phantom Winger. OK, so it's standard pub grub, but we have always had a friendly welcome and the quality is very acceptable. Also, now has two real ales on offer, one of which is usually the incomparable Wainwright.
23 Jun 2014 22:03
Ferry Boat Inn, Stoke Bardolph
The last review of The Ferry Boat was in 2009. Happily ,since then, things have changed for the better. It's still very much a huge chain pub ,Fayre and Square, with all that that entails, but the standard of service, the food and general experience are all good.It is very popular, especially at weekends, with sometimes a very long wait for food orders. BUT it's worth the wait and they now serve a decent choice of well-kept real ales.
14 Mar 2014 17:40
Pleasant enough 'Spoons - looks a bit like a café on first entering, but work your way through the pub and upstairs it is nicely appointed although the beer choice is not as extensive as in the downstairs servery.Nice little outside area for smokers and/or al fresco drinking.
1 Mar 2014 18:09
Have passed The Badger hundreds of times over the years, but only ventured in last Sunday evening. Not disappointed - beer on form and food good and plenty of it. Service a bit slow, but then this IS Cornwall and they had a couple of members of kitchen staff off sick. Will definitely revisit.
2 Jan 2014 14:23
Bustling and lively but a bit on the small side as noted in previous posts. The beer range is extensive and very well kept. The Sadler's Cheeky Elf is brilliant - tastes so Christmassy it's like eating a lump of Xmas pud!
20 Dec 2013 17:24
My first visit to The Shovel for over 25 years the other night. Even better than I remembered it. Absolutely cracking pub on all levels.
20 Dec 2013 17:17
Reopened after a makeover. Some internal alterations but nothing too drastic. Lots of sport-related pics on the walls. Beer ok, but limited choice. All right for a quick couple.
20 Sep 2013 17:45
Currently closed - looks derelict but lots of work seems to be going on. Not clear whether it will be a pub in future or some other development.
20 Sep 2013 17:38
Burnt down about a week after opening. Currently a roofless shell.Ironically,a large banner proclaiming "BBQ and Grill" survived the conflagration and now hangs forlornly over the blackened building.
10 Sep 2013 21:19
Closed at the moment, but has had another exterior paint job. Rumour has it that the roof fell in in the back room, but no-one in town seems able to confirm or deny this!
8 Sep 2013 21:55
Now has a choice of two guest real ales and an interesting seafood-based menu. Nice one!
21 Jun 2013 17:34
I went for a job interview in Netherton today and to my utter delight my possible new workplace is a couple of minutes away from Ma Pardoe's.The first time I went in the Old Swan was nearly forty years ago, and I was privileged to actually meet Doris. She entered the main bar looking like Queen Victoria, and I swear the locals tugged their forelocks and murmured "Evenin' ma". She was gracious enough to autograph a beer mat for me!
19 Jun 2013 16:29
Renewed signs of life! Change of name - new signage says The Huntsman. but no indication as to when it will reopen.
18 Jun 2013 19:35
The Rum and Crab Shack, St Ives
Now re-opened as "The Rum and Crab Shack". See further info. in my post at Blue Bar.
20 Feb 2013 11:28
Has just re-opened as "The Rum and Crab Shack". Serves a huge variety of rums, with keg beers but sadly no real ale. The room is interesting - bare wooden floors, low ceiling, basic furniture and a smattering of nautical memorabilia. Great views from cosy window seats across the harbour. An interesting enterprise which looks like it will really take off in the holiday season. Good luck to them!
20 Feb 2013 11:27
The Western Hotel/Kettle and Wick, St Ives
Used to drop in here from time to time, always early evening, and found it usually pretty empty and dull. BUT one night a couple of visits to St Ives ago we went in after half-ten and it was rocking! Great live music, heaving with happy people, and the beer on great form.The Kiddley is now firmly established as the perfect end to a night on the lash in St. Ives!
9 Feb 2013 16:22
With regard to my previous post about the pub being sold, I would like to set the record straight by saying that I got it wrong - the pub was never sold. One thing I DIDN'T get wrong, The Castle is STILL the best pub in St.Ives.
9 Feb 2013 15:48
Another record set - popped in because the rest of our party wanted to , and paid �3.75 for a pint of admittedly excellent Butty Bach. Is this now the dearest pint in Harboprne?
16 Aug 2012 16:46
Very disappointing. Rather dark and unwelcoming feel to the place. Too open and not cosy like it used to be. Beer range is interesting, but this is now a place to drop into once in a while for the odd pint rather than somewhere to spend a lengthy session. Sad.
16 Aug 2012 16:36
Revisited this plaor St. Ives)ce last week as it has changed its name to "The Balcony Bar and Kitchen". Wow!!! What a transformation - great use of the space, it's been more or less gutted and is now smart, trendily furnished, has an interesting burger menu at reasonable (for St. Ives ) prices, and best of all now serves two real ales - on my visit they were Doom Bar and locally-brewed Boilers. Thanks to whoever is responsible for creating a really good new venue to add to the St. Ives crawl.
12 Aug 2012 21:16
Currently closed - some dispute between the brewery and the owners, apparently.
18 Jun 2012 17:09
Latest! Apparently now been sold, will be redeveloped (God help us) as more of a food-led operation, with the main lounge extended through into the tiny snug, thus destroying another bit of Harborne history. The bowling green, I am given to understand, will be retained. Other internal alterations are planned, but the wooden bar-back is safe because of its listed status.
9 Mar 2012 16:53
Large and pleasant modern pub in a fairly up-market area, good,reasonably-priced food and an impressive range of well-kept Thwaites ales, with guests. Service prompt and efficient. The sort of place to take aged parents for Sunday lunch, but I suspect that it could get busy at peak times. A former GBG entry, deservedly so.
9 Mar 2012 16:38
Fine while waiting for a train- decent beer at a decent price. If you have a long wait. come here rather than go to the bar on the station where there's No Real Ale and expensive alternatives. Also good if you've had a particularly/typically frustrating journey courtesy of British Railways and could murder a pint.
3 Feb 2012 19:46
The Black Horse Hotel, Preston
I left Preston when I was 18 and only get back occasionally, but I can honestly say that over the last 40-odd years this place hasn't changed at all, about the only pub in town that hasn't. Still excellent in every way, long may it continue!
3 Feb 2012 19:32
"Popular with the younger crowd" - it always was. The received wisdom in the 60s was that the kids went in the back bar out of the way, the 16-year olds in the side room on the right as you entered and the seasoned drinkers, "18 next week" went in the main bar.
3 Feb 2012 19:18
This was the first pub I ever went into, at the age of about 10, in 1962. The landlord was Tom Craig, and his lad Michael was my best mate at junior school. We used to take the loose change that was collected by the school bank every Thursday and swap it at the pub for notes that our teacher Miss Craven could then bank. We did this in school time, and Tom would give us a drink. Mine was always a blackcurrant and lemonade. We also used to slide down the wooden ramps from the pub yard into the cellar when the draymen from Boddie's were delivering. Happy days!
3 Feb 2012 19:08
I was roady-ing for Irish folk band Drowsy Maggie back in the 80s and we did a gig in here one New Year's Eve. Can't remember much about it except I left my expensive new jumper somewhere in there. Anybody seen it recently???
3 Feb 2012 18:56
Information for cmofish. The pub was sold, but then the couple who were buying it pulled out when the lady became pregnant and they thought that the pub's accomodation wasn't suitable for a family. No further news I'm afraid!
4 Dec 2011 22:14
Has just reopened after a lighning-quick refurb. Very nice, light, airy sort of ambience, but the emphasis now seems to be on the food side of things as the dedicated dining area seems to have encroached on the drinking zone! Interesting selection of ales, and my pint of Doombar was excellent. All a far cry from when it was a two/three room local with a grid of string stretched across the matt-black ceiling in the "lounge" to make it look like it was tiled! Micky Jones would never believe it now!
25 Oct 2011 10:42
The Merchant Stores, Birmingham
Changed again! Now called The O Bar. Only ever went in once about ten years ago and walked straight out. They wanted about three quid for a pint of Banks's even then, when it was �1.49 at JDW down the road. No wonder it keeps going belly-up.
18 Oct 2011 17:19
The Canalside Cafe, Birmingham
Always a good selection of ales in good condition, and as often as not one from Skinner's of Truro. Not often that Betty Stoggs, the Cornish Knocker and Ginger Tosser venture this far north - I've never seen them in any other Brummie pub. Well worth a visit at any time.
18 Oct 2011 17:14
A clone of the P & P and the Slug and Lettuce, which rub shoulders with each other in this trendy little patch of Brindley Place. Invariably crowded as previously noted, but now has TWO token real ales, one of which has invariably "just gone off, sorry". Not bad if you want to mingle with Brummies pretending they're really in London.
18 Oct 2011 17:02
Now that it serves upto three real ales, this place is now on my radar when in the city centre. Especially early on Friday evenings in summer when there is regular live music outside at the bandstand, it makes a very acceptable venue for a few scoops before heading back to Harborne for the serious drinking.
18 Oct 2011 16:56
Closed. The building and site are to be redeveloped. Local residents have been canvassed as to what they would like to see in its place. Suggested uses are a car park for locals and a day nursery. A great pity: it was never really any great shakes as a pub (and I go back 35 years) and always seemed a sad waste of an attractive building in a good location. Still, que sera, sera!
6 Sep 2011 14:06
Has had a bit of a makeover recently and now looks like the place is picking up again after a fairly lean period. The front room is looking a bit more like it used to, but the big back room is still pretty basic. Having said that, after not using the place for a couple of years it is now back on the list for the St. Ives crawl.
17 Aug 2011 13:39
Finished a mini-crawl of Nottingham in here on Saturday night. Remarkably quiet, which is unusual for this place, usually rammed - perhaps it's because the students aren't back to uni yet. Good selection of ales in good condition. The barmaid informed us that the main room at least will be closing for a week in the near future for yet another makeover.
15 Aug 2011 08:46
Totally impressive interior decor, pleasant outdoor drinking area, ale in good condition, service prompt and polite from an Emma Bunton lookalike, prices very reasonable, friendly and cheerful bouncer on the door! What's not to like???
15 Aug 2011 08:39
After forty years drinking in Harborne I've just broken a personal record and paid �3.50, check, �3.50, for a pint of very mediocre Dizzy Blonde in this place. O.K., so it's very trendy and cool and the majority of punters are happy to pay ridiculous prices for bottles of Eurofizz, but for the serious drinker, give this one a body swerve and head for the White Horse where there is a better selection of ales at considerably cheaper prices, and it's not populated by The Apprentice wannabees.
19 Jul 2011 18:40
After living in Brum for over forty years I finally managed to make it to The Bull following good reports from friends, and I wasn't disappointed. Lovely traditional boozer, cosy and welcoming even though it was a quiet midweek lunchtime. Only two ales on, Broadside and Pedigree, but the pub was impressive enough to make a return visit on an evening crawl a distinct possibility!
18 Jul 2011 16:57
Spotted Mr Wetherspoon himself, Tim Martin, in here a couple of weeks ago, on a tour of inspection of his Empire. Got chatting to him and he was able to confirm that JDW are opening a pub in our home-from-home, St. Ives. Mixed feelings about that....to anyone who knows the town it could be bad news for some other pubs, especially the Three Ferrets.
18 Jul 2011 16:46
Massive 'Spoons at the NEC. Busy and crowded, but a welcome stop-off after traipsing rouind the exhibition halls . Usual fare and reasonable beer choice.
10 Jun 2011 15:13
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
Fantastic pub! Spent a great evening here, tried at least half a dozen different ales, all superb condition. There are distinct areas in the pub, some quieter than others,and on the night of our visit there was a DJ playing classic reggae with an open space which made a dance floor for those so inclined, self included after the eleventeenth pint. In a town not well endowed with decent boozers, this one really stands out - would heartily recommend it to anyone looking for either a quiet pint or a bit of entertainment as well. Oh, and there's a function room upstairs as well!
8 Jun 2011 13:15
Came in here after a Bryan Adams concert at the FM arena. What a knockout little boozer! About 8 real ales on , cosy litle rooms, chatty locals, and the guvnor and his good lady in no rush to kick us out. Lovely!
20 May 2011 14:44
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Pop in here from time to time at lunchtime. Great range of beers, although pricey, and a fantastic building. Went in on a Sunday evening a while ago with another couple. Our wives were the only females in the place and me and my mate got some unusual looks from some of the other customers.....something we need to know???
13 May 2011 12:38
As you were! The proposed sale to Peach Brewery pubco has apparently fallen through. No clue as to why. Future of pub uncertain, but it would obviously be sold as a popular going concern. I should think that the listed status of the carved bar-back in the public bar and the bowling green would give some degree of protection from over-enthusiastic developers. Let's hope so.
13 May 2011 11:41
As you were! The proposed sale to Peach Brewery pubco has apparently fallen through. No clue as to why. Future of pub uncertain, but it would obviously be sold as a popular going concern. I should think that the listed status of the carved bar-back in the public bar and the bowling green would give some degree of protection from over-enthusiastic developers. Let's hope so.
13 May 2011 11:41
Strewth! How long has Ropey Hall been a pub? It used to be a sort of function suite. I did my A level exams in there in 1970 and we had our leavers' bash there as well. A great do as I remember it. Inspector Fishwick and the local drug plod allegedly came along afterwards, swept the floor and analysed the findings. The band was the ever excellent Little Free Rock. Happy days!
6 May 2011 14:08
Not really a pub, it's the bar for the Premier lodge and attached restaurant. Been there on a few occasions and the place is pleasant enough, though totally lacking in atmosphere. .Two handpumps, usually both offering the same Jennings Cumberland ale.A bit pricey, but quality usually OK. Went there once when they were advertising a Real Ale Festival, only to find that they didn't actually have any real ale on at all.
6 May 2011 13:54
Went in years ago with Kevin Rowland (Dexy's Midnight Runners) and his bruv who was a mate of mine. Ordinary sort of Brummie/Black Country brick barn boozer. Been closed for ages, but recently reopened under new management.
3 May 2011 14:57
Just had another makeover! One of the big screens has gone and the decor is now rather minimalist, with lots of Farrow and Ball type paint colours. The pool table has gone as well. The ale selection as always is a bit limited (Tribute and HSD) but was on good form. Seems to be a bit more pricey as well - I was charged over thirteen quid for two Tributes and two pints of San MIguel Not a bad place by any means, but one for a couple rather than a whole session.
3 May 2011 12:39
Went in with a couple of friends last Wednesday evening. It was very quiet, but none the worse for that, as it meant service was very prompt and couirteous. The beer was on form (Black Sheep and Doombar) and we had a good meal at a reasonable price. Although we all live in Harborne we don't often go in here because it appeals to ,shall we say, people younger than us. We would definitely return at quieter times, as the overall experience was very enjoyable, and the outside patio area really is very pleasant on a warm spring evening.
27 Apr 2011 17:38
Revisited this week, and in the smaller bar which is accessed by the side entrance you will find a much more pub-like atmosphere and a couple of handpumps serving perfectly acceptable GK IPA. Had a meal here away from the fanily area and that too was very good. Not a pub for a real session, it's too food-focussed, but if you're in the area and looking for a decent bit of nosebag and a quiet pint then it's fine.
15 Apr 2011 09:07
SGA is right - two handpumps, only one in use dispensing on-the-turn Brew XI. The landlady (I presume it was the landlady) who served me was friendly enough and said they were going to get other real ales in, and asked me for suggestions! The pub itself is the same as it was before it closed, but with a coat of fresh paint. I went in at lunchtime and there were about a dozen punters in the place, including a couple of real low-life types who were f-ing and blinding loudly. I won't be in any hurry to return, and I guess that at night it won't be a pleasant place for a drink. It might perform a useful function in keeping the types who like pool, lager and karaoke out of the decent pubs in Harborne. I give it six months max.
13 Apr 2011 17:24
Upto-the-minute news...the New Inn has apparently been sold to the Peach pubco, This company apparently specialises in upmarket gastro pubs. A quick look at their website confirms this, although they do seem to have a commitment to real ale, notably in this area from the Purity brewerey in Warwick. The New Inn bowlers are unhappy because it's planned apparently to turn the bowling green out the back into gardens. Watch this space!
10 Apr 2011 15:26
Further to JohnBonser's lengthy post on this pub, I can add that it has in fact appeared in EVERY edition of the GBG - one of only a handful of pubs to achieve this distinction.
5 Apr 2011 14:58
What we in Brum call a "plastic Paddy " pub. Full of shillelaghs, shamrocks, adverts for Guinness, all courtesy of some chain-pub warehouse somewhere. No real ale, and everything overpriced. One to give body-swerve, so it is.
5 Apr 2011 14:49
Agree with Bard's comment - worth dropping in for one or two when you're out on a Torquay crawl. Natural port of call for hen parties.....
5 Apr 2011 14:44
Spent New Year's Eve in here this/last year! Twenty quid to get in on a limited ticket basis, but well worth it. Live entertainment and a superb hot and cold buffet. Atmosphere splendid - haven't a clue what time we left. Always made to feel welcome, even though we are only occasional visitors to Torquay.
5 Apr 2011 14:40
Basic but ok, just watch your change. Reasonable range of beers in good condition. Nothing special, you wouldn't spend a whole session in there, but fine for one or two when on a Torquay crawl.
5 Apr 2011 14:31
Now called something else, can't remember what, but still just a loud,brash, big-screen footie sort of place that is a chav magnet. No real ale of course, we only popped in because the girls needed the loo.
5 Apr 2011 14:29
Signs of life inside the other day....plus new curtains and a bloke brandishing a paintbrush outside. Could be on the verge of re-opening.....
25 Mar 2011 14:49
I've always had a soft spot for The Bell - it is a country pub in an urban setting. Unfortunately on our visit last night there was only Bateman's Victory Ale on the pumps as they'd just run out of Adnam's Lighthouse, and Victory is hardly a session beer. I'm sure that with a little ingenuity and revised use of space on the bar counter they could slot in one more handpump? More choice would make a pleasant pub even better.
25 Mar 2011 14:46
A lovely, quaint bit of Old England - a pub as pubs ought to be . Only visited at lunchtime so it was a bit quiet, but still stayed for three pints. The sign proclaiming "This is a family hostile pub" ought to be compulsory for every boozer in the country! Long may The Albion continue the good work!
23 Mar 2011 19:15
The Shakespeare Inn, Birmingham
After living in Brum for forty years I finally went in this pub a couple of weeks back. Glad I did! It used to be one of a pair of pubs next to each other, the other was called The Temple Bar, and both were as rough as a badger's backside. What an amazing change! Smart, welcoming, good food, and THWAITES'S NUTTY BLACK ON HANDPULL!!! Will be a regular visitor from now on.
23 Mar 2011 13:26
All the posts on this place make great reading! I've only ever been to the pub once, and that was forty years ago. I'd hitched down from Brum with my girlfriend, whose best friend was a barmaid at the Barmy Arms so we went in and she fiddled us drinks because we were all students and therefore broke. I was stood at the bar with my pint and a chap came up next to me and asked our barmaid friend "Do you sell chocolate?" "Errr,no, this is a pub", she replied. "Oh," he replied, and walked out. "Did you clock who that was?" she asked us. "It was Pete Townsend from The Who. He lives next door but one".
11 Mar 2011 17:12
The review in triplicate by "dobbie" reads like something John Prescott would be proud of. Is it a decent pub or not???
4 Mar 2011 12:09
The review in triplicate by "dobbie" reads like something John Prescott would be proud of. Is it a decent pub or not???
4 Mar 2011 12:09
The Dragonfly, Birmingham International Airport
A good place to wait for your flight - knocks spots off the awful boozer on the airside.(if i's still there).
9 Feb 2011 12:24
Finally been demolished - will be redeveloped as student accomodation.
9 Feb 2011 11:54
Popped in for a couple last night and was rewarded with two excellent pints of Ringwood Boondoggle. There is now a regular guest from either Ringwood or Jennings - daveinbrum must be pleased!
21 Nov 2010 17:08
Has recently been given a fetching coat of whitewash and an "under offer" sign on the for sale notice...watch this space...!
21 Nov 2010 17:04
Called in with a bunch of friends whilst waiting for a ferry. Can't comment about the music or food, but agree 100% with the overall remarks made by other reviewers. A good place to spend the last hour in England before hitting the Continent!
29 Sep 2010 16:47
A bit disappointed with the quality of the food on our last visit - not upto the usual expected standard. Also, the Doom Bar, whilst being in excellent condition, was �3.10 a pint. It has to travel perhaps 50-odd miles from Rock to St. Ives. It has to travel over 200 miles to my local in Brum, where it sells for �2.60. Makes you think...
16 Aug 2010 09:41
What a waste of a fantastic opportunity to have a drinking establishment with the best views in St.Ives. Like the previous comment says,this is a strange place. The eating area is quite contemporary with views over the harbour, but the rest of the room is just nothing...rather tatty, no atmosphere, no real ale, a bit like " working mens' club meets function room available". Won't be going there again.
16 Aug 2010 09:34
Basic but interesting - Carlurmston (below) mustn't have ventured into the OTHER bar in the back of the pub - much cosier and intimate seating arrangements.Only Banks's and Pedigree on the pumps, but the staff were helpful when we enquired about the campsite. May well return for a full weekend, not just a day trip./recce!
26 Jul 2010 11:39
The River and Rail, Hampton Loade
Found this pub rather by accident - glad we did! Jolly landlord, nice menu, good pint of Hobson's Twisted Spire. Lovely location - agree with comments in the previous post!
26 Jul 2010 11:34
Is this the smallest 'Spoon's in the country? Been in a few times and always had a decent experience, both food - and ale-wise. Wouldn't spend all night in there, but where else can you drink in Arnold without risking life and limb?
16 Jul 2010 17:15
Used to be the brewery tap for the Home Ales brewery. Now a part of a chain that has painted it yellow and purple. Full of families eating meal-deals. No real ale. Don't bother unless you're looking for admittedly reasonable food, but be prepared for a LONG wait at peak times.
16 Jul 2010 17:07
Visited a couple of times on Saturday afternoons for lunch. It really is the perfect village pub. Lots of parking space, pleasant dining area, cosy seating in the lounge, separate public bar with games. Food is good value, and a wide-ish choice of cask ales. The large garden means that you can keep well away from the families with kids that perhaps understandably use the place. Very little to fault about anything here!
16 Jul 2010 16:57
Further to earlier reviews, Ryan's does now have two or three real ales on offer - it was a pity that we arrived about twenty minutes before closing so missed the live entertainment and only had time for a couple of rather rushed pints. Nice atmosphere and ambience, and definitely not a "plastic Paddy" type of Oirish bar. Staff genuinely Irish and very friendly.Would go back any time.
21 Jun 2010 16:51
My first visit to Derby so started the crawl in here. Totally impressed with the beer choice - bigger even than the legendary "Welly" back in Brum. Tried a couple of pints - both in excellent condition. Can't remember what they were as the crawl went on into the wee small hours and the memory is not what it was. Suffice it to say that it's a bit better than the average JDW, and would definitely be on the list for any future visit to the city.
21 Jun 2010 16:46
The Rum and Crab Shack, St Ives
A previous incarnation of "Blue" and "Gallions" - now closed.
14 Jun 2010 13:41
No longer open - it was known as "Gallions" (sic) for a couple of years but is now closed.
14 Jun 2010 13:40
Re-opened on St. George's Day as a Sizzling Steak chain outlet. Some friends visited to check it out at 9.15 in the evening, only to be told that food service stops at 9.00! I popped in a few days later,at about 9.00. Quite right, no food, BUT a poster proudly proclaiming "Try our wide range of cask ales" Promising....but no. The wide range consisted of Pedigree, Banks's Bitter and wait for it...Brew XI. There were about twenty people in the place, even though there was a quiz on. Maybe it will take time for a decent , regular clientelle to become established, but past incarnations of this place all seem to go the same way. Tits up fairly quickly.
28 Apr 2010 12:44
Pub has been flattened - before that happened, if you looked at somebody in there YOU would have been.
13 Apr 2010 17:13
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
After an alarming mix-up over booking a room here, we had an enjoyable overnight stay with a hearty meal and a great beer selection. I worked my way through the entire Ashover Brewery range, brewed on site, and a couple of bottles of excellent Merlot (helped by the other half, of course). A decent place to stay, deservedly popular.
13 Apr 2010 13:12
Came in here after asking after an old friend in The Old Nag's Head, and was delighted to see, after almost 30 years, my old mate pulling pints behind the bar. Unfortunately it was an extremely busy lunchtime and we couldn't have a proper catch-up session, but the pub was as brilliant as all the other reviews suggest, and what other reasons/excuses would I need to go back there asap???
13 Apr 2010 13:06
Called in here on the recommendation of my brother-in-law who really rated the food. We were not disappointed either - chose from the "sandwich" section of the menu and were presented with baguettes the size of torpedoes accompanied by salad and real chips that looked like each one was carved from a single whole spud. The beer range was limited to Black Sheep and the ubiquitous GK IPA, but the pint I had was fine. Perhaps the best thing about this visit however was when, as a long-shot I asked the barman if he knew a guy that I first knew 40 years ago, last heard of in Castleton. "Yep. Does pub quizzes. Works round the corner in The George. He's on til 6 tonight" Next stop The George!
13 Apr 2010 13:01
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Popped in for a quick one as a break from shopping/sightseeing on a day trip to York. Characterful place with a good range of ales. The "Taster Tray" idea -four third-of a pint samples of the York Brewery's real ale offerings for �3.55 - is a great way to promote their products.
7 Apr 2010 13:15
Alright for a quick pint as a break from shopping, but I wouldn't want to spend any length of time there.
7 Apr 2010 13:07
Only had time on this visit for one pint, but what a good impression the place made. All the positive comments have got it spot on. Would love to go back and have a full session sometime!
7 Apr 2010 13:00
Stayed for a couple of nights B&B and found everything to be of a high standard, although breakfast on the first morning was a bit disappointing as we had to wait for the chef to get his act together. Having said that, the room was excellent and the choice of ales was good. The live jazz on Sunday evening was a bonus.
7 Apr 2010 12:57
George and Dragon Inn, Knaresborough
Felt like a traditional, real local, but being a bank holiday evening we were the only customers apart from one lady at the bar and a couple with a small child and a nice dog. The one pint I had was acceptable, and the guvnor was friendly.
7 Apr 2010 12:50
So Bar and Eats, Knaresborough
Visited on Easter Sunday evening and the place was buzzing. Good range of ales in good condition and the pub/bar was actively promoting Cask Ale Week. Food was great - but beware when ordering, as the portions are ENORMOUS! Despite not having eaten since breakfast, neither my wife or myself could finish our Tex-Mex meals! Well worth a visit.
7 Apr 2010 12:45
No longer a pub, but a private members' club. (Though I suspect the punters are the same crowd as it's the only drinking establishment in the area.)
24 Mar 2010 14:43
Closed at the moment for a refurb! Maybe,just maybe, we'll get a half-decent boozer that's worth visiting.
24 Mar 2010 14:28
I wonder if all the comments above (apart from adamisboozingasusual) come from people who have only visited the Ferrets during the day? True, all the negative comments are correct when the pub is functioning as the first watering-hole for the hordes of day-trippers who tumble off the shuttle bus with their replica footie shirts,tattoos, body piercings and legions of kids in buggies. Once they have all buggered off back to John Fowler's hi-de-hi camp in Hayle, the pub is very different. We have spent many pleasant sessions in there, the staff are friendly and efficient, and the ale, though of limited choice, has always been well kept.
24 Mar 2010 13:15
Came over to Armagh for a friend's wedding a couple of years ago. He suggested we all meet in Red Ned's. Good decision! Great atmosphere, very welcoming. So good I can't remember what I was drinking. Might even have been Guinness and I hate the stuff.
4 Dec 2009 13:06
What a pity that Wetherspoon's don't buy failing pubs to convert to their own standards. This place would make a great Spoons in terms of premises and location. Haven't had a drink in here for about five years, as there's no real ale, but just to look through the window is as depressing as a Leonard Cohen song. Someone somewhere could make a decent boozer out of this place.
2 Dec 2009 14:13
Easily our favourite St Ives pub. We have been using it for a numbner of years and nothing ever really changes except the beers - on a daily basis! Many of the staff have also been there for ages,and always remember us and make us very welcome. Along with The White Horse, my local in Brum,this is my joint favourite pub in the entire world.
2 Dec 2009 13:54
The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden
First stumbled on the Nell Gwynne when down T'Smoke for a theatre break weekend. Have stumbled in and out of it several times since. Cracking little pub that is a must visit on any trip Up West, as they say on Halfenders.
1 Dec 2009 15:00
Following its escape from the clutches of Spirit or Punch or whatever pubco it was that had been trying to ruin this wonderful pub,it can now lay a justifiable claim to be on a par with The Welly in terms of choice and consistent quality of cask ales. Easily the best boozer in the village, but then it always was as far as I'm concerned!
11 Nov 2009 15:01
Wow! The Stores now actually has cask ale!! AT Wetherspoon's prices! Quite drinkable Pedigree. BUT... that's the only reason to go in there.
11 Nov 2009 14:57
The Lord Clifden, Birmingham
Had a quick one in here on Saturday as part of a Jewellery Quarter crawl. Packed to the gunwhales, but as always a good experience.
9 May 2017 16:49